Leader
Dave H
Description
This is a circular walk of approx 6 miles from Parbold near Wigan in West Lancashire. The walk starts along the Leeds – Liverpool Canal but soon climbs gradually upto Parbold Hill where there are fine views over the surrounding fertile countryside. We’ll visit the Fairy Glen – a lovely wooded valley with a river and who knows – we might see some mythical fairies! The walk continues onto Appley Bridge and finally, back along the canal to Parbold. The Leeds – Liverpool Canal is Britain’s longest canal and was constructed to provide a trans-Pennine waterway between the industrial towns of Lancashire and Yorkshire with Liverpool and exports to North America. Work began on building the canal from both ends in Leeds and Liverpool in 1770.
The walk is a combination of canal and field paths, some road walking and a few stiles. The canal paths and fields are wet and very muddy in places so please wear suitable footwear – wellies or sturdy boots – and if you have them I suggest bringing your walking poles for extra stability.
We’ll stop for lunch at about 12.30pm / 1.00pm at a rambler and dog-friendly pub – The Rigbye Arms. There is a covered outdoor seating area at the back of the pub for those who want to bring their own lunch but please buy a drink in the pub if you bring your own lunch and wish to use the toilets. I propose to allow an hour for lunch – service is a little slow but an hour should be plenty of time. They do sandwiches and soup. There are no other suitable places to stop for lunch or cafes/pubs etc on the route.
After the walk, there are a few pubs in Parbold for those who wish to stay for a drink or to dine and to get toasty warm by an open fire!
Start Point and Time
Meet at 11.30am in Parbold – just by the canal/bridge at the cafe Yours is the Earth (post code is WN8 7NW). This is the starting point for the walk. The cafe is lovely and on Sunday’s its open from 10.30am if you want to arrive early for coffee or breakfast! But is does get busy! There are a couple of other cafes in Parbold but I haven’t tried these so cannot offer a view on quality, service etc.
Parking – there is a free small car park on the opposite side of the canal/bridge but if this is full, there is ample parking further along (about 50yds) behind a row of shops with free parking. Failing that, on street parking is available.
Directions to Start
Parbold is just off the A5209 between Standish and Burscough, in West Lancs – follow signs for Parbold. On the A5209 at the Stocks Tavern pub turn right into Parbold village and follow the narrow road which passes by an old mill and over the canal bridge. The cafe is on the right by the bridge and car park on the left just after the bridge (as above).
There are direct trains from Manchester Victoria to Parbold – the journey time is approx 50 mins. There is a train at 10.25am which arrives at 11.17am. Return trains are 6 mins past the hour every hour from 4.06pm and the return fare is £7.50. NB: Please check for any disruption to services though as this service is operated by Northern Trains.
Contact
Dave mobile – 07929 829 284
